Palacio Solecio is on the pedestrianised Calle Granada in Málaga’s historic old town.
Planes
Spain’s fourth busiest international hub, Málaga Airport, is 10 kilometres away, about a 20-minute drive. One-way transfers can be arranged by the hotel for €30.
Trains
The nearest train station to the hotel is María Zambrano, about a kilometre away. It’s connected to Málaga Airport (30 minutes), Sevilla (two hours, 30 minutes) and Madrid (two hours, 30 minutes). It’s about 10 minutes by taxi from the station to Palacio Solecio.
Automobiles
Although there’s parking nearby (€27.50 a day), Málaga lends itself to exploration on foot – especially with a hotel as centrally located as this.
Worth getting out of bed for
‘Gateway to the Costa del Sol’ used to be shorthand for ‘don’t bother sticking around too long in Málaga’, but with a progressive mayor pumping millions into the arts (the city’s other famous son, Antonio Banderas, has opened a theatre here) and a blossoming gastronomic scene, change is very much afoot in the historic city where Picasso spent his formative first 10 years.
Soho’s edgy bar and tapas scene attracts a creative crowd in an area that’s becoming known for its street art, too. Muello Uno is a more upmarket, harbourside district for shopping and dining (with some top sunset spots), while Pedragalejo is where the locals go: a traditional fishing neighbourhood that’s been transformed into a vibrant nightspot-by-the-sea with plenty of bars and restaurants. The food market Atarazanas has an original Moorish façade from the 14th century, and is included in many ‘world’s best markets’ lists.
Don’t miss the permanent collection at the Picasso Museum, where the artist’s life and works are meticulously laid out, as well as its well-curated temporary exhibitions. And finally, the hotel may not have a spa, but a stroll away is the Hammam Al Andalus, Moorish-style baths whose well-trained masseurs have the know-how (and upper-arm strength) to unknot the tightest of muscles.
Local restaurants
Cafe Con Libros is a popular local café that stocks an extensive range of international newspapers. KGB takes a playful approach to international cuisine – the secret is out about its famous oxtail burger with Havarti cheese. Flamenco is a folkloric art form that some Malagueños insist should be performed at mealtimes. If that’s your bag, then El Pimpi is one of the hottest spots. For the city’s top tapas, we recommend the cod taco confit at El Meson de Cervantes or, for gastronomic greatness in unfussy surrounds, try Kaleja.
Local bars
The Pharmacy is a speakeasy dosing out mirthful ‘liquid prescriptions’ (Krypton: Tanqueray, Green Chartreuse and Kaffir lime soda) to a down-to-earth crowd, while La Fábrica showcases southern Spain’s finest craft beers. La Terraza de la Alcazaba, La Terraza de San Juan, and La Terraza de Chinitas are three rooftop bars set above hostels at the more stylish end of the spectrum where young, hip Malagueños hang out until late.
